Ireland's 7 national parks: experience the best of the outdoors

Ireland has seven national parks; six are located on the west coast and one can be found on the east, just an hour from Dublin. Exploring these cinematic canvases is a journey through ancient oak woodlands, blanket bog shaped like lunar outposts, glassy lakes, dramatic green mountains shrouded in mist, and marine biodiversity.

Most national parks can be explored in less than a day and are generally suited to all ages and levels of fitness, though you can find some difficult trails if you're up for a challenge. Great weather may not be guaranteed anywhere in Ireland, but one thing you can be sure of is stunning vistas, whether the sun comes out or not. Before you head out, check individual national park websites for information on closures, conditions and fire warnings.

1. Killarney National Park, County Kerry

Best for ancient woodland and lakes

Sprawling over 10,236 hectares, the sublime Killarney National Park is an idyllic place to explore, either by itself or as part of a Ring of Kerry tour. Ross Castle and Muckross House draw big crowds, but it's possible to escape amid Ireland's largest area of ancient oak woods, with panoramic views of its highest mountains and the country's only wild herd of native red deer.

The core of the national park is the Muckross Estate, donated to the state by Arthur Bourn Vincent in 1932; the park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The Killarney Lakes – Lough Leane (the Lower Lake, or "Lake of Learning"), Muckross (or Middle) Lake and the Upper Lake – make up about a quarter of the park, and are surrounded by natural oak and yew woodland, and overlooked by the high crags and moors of Purple Mountain (832m) to the west and Knockrower (552m) to the south.

Planning tip: Check the calendar before planning a visit to Killarney. During several annual events, such as the Rally of the Lakes (early May) and Ireland BikeFest (early June), campsites and accommodations are packed, and local roads (including the N71 Killarney – Kenmare route) may be temporarily closed.

2. The Burren National Park, County Clare

Best for flora

Visiting the Burren National Park is like stepping out onto another planet. Located on the southeastern tip of the Burren in County Clare, the national park is Ireland's smallest at just 15 sq km in size. Its lunar landscape is made up of limestone grasslands and pavements, cut with grasslands and hazel and ash woodlands. What makes the Burren really special is its extraordinary flora, a unique combination of Arctic, alpine, subtropical
and Mediterranean plants growing side by side.

Another major draw is the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a well-preserved megalithic tomb (and Ireland's most photographed ancient monument) that dates back to the Neolithic period. Burren National Park is also home to Dromore Wood, where you'll find the 17th-century O’Brien castle, two ring forts, a limekiln, and, if you're very lucky, the elusive pine marten. The park has way-marked walking trails (none are wheelchair accessible) and is just a 35-minute drive from the famous Cliffs of Moher.

Planning tip: Spring, particularly May, is the best time to see the Burren’s wildflowers in bloom.

3. Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal

Best for wildlife

Ireland's second-largest national park, Glenveagh is a sublime panoply of lakes overlooked by brooding mountains, with valleys scooped from the land and scattered with both forest and swaths of bog that offer an enticing, unspoilt landscape coupled with wonderful options for hiking for all levels of fitness. Its wealth of wildlife includes the golden eagle, which was hunted to extinction here in the 19th century but reintroduced in 2000, and the country's largest herd of red deer.

Such serenity came at a heavy price. The land was once farmed by 244 tenants, who were forcibly evicted by landowner John George Adair in the winter of 1861 following what he called a "conspiracy," but really because their presence obstructed his vision for the valley. Adair put the final touches on his paradise by building the spectacular lakeside Glenveagh Castle (1870–73), while his wife, Adelia, introduced the park's definitive red deer and rhododendrons.

Planning tip: With so much to do in Glenveagh National Park, it’s wise to give yourself a full day to explore. break up the day with lunch at the tearooms at the castle or the visitor’s center cafe. The best nearby accommodations are in the villages of Letterkenny and Churchill.

4. Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow

Best national park near Dublin

Wicklow Mountains National Park covers just over 200 sq km of mountain, blanket bog and woodland. Within its boundaries are two nature reserves, owned and managed by the Heritage Service and legally protected by the Wildlife Act 1976. The larger reserve, west of the Glendalough Visitor Centre, conserves the extensive heath and bog of the Glendalough Valley plus the Upper Lake and valley slopes on either side. The second, Glendalough Wood Nature Reserve, protects oak woods stretching from the Upper Lake as far as the Rathdrum road to the east.

It's the most-visited Irish national park due to its proximity to Dublin. The bulk of the crowd can be found in Glendalough, but it's possible to escape them in the less-trodden uplands. There are way-marked walking trails, that vary from a child-friendly 30-minute walk to a more invigorating 4-hour hike. While there are no serviced campsites in Wicklow National Park it's a popular spot for wild camping.

Planning tip: It takes about an hour by car to reach Wicklow Mountains National Park from Dublin's city center, and a shuttle bus (€23 adult return ticket) departs daily. The Wicklow Mountains National Park Information Centre is near the Upper Lake car park in Glendalough, and provides info on wildlife and maps. Don’t confuse it with the Glendalough Visitor Centre beside the lower car park, which deals only with the monastic site.

5. Connemara National Park, County Galway

Best for bird-watching

Immediately southeast of Letterfrack, Connemara National Park spans 2000 dramatic hectares of bog, mountains, heath and woodlands. The park encloses a number of the Twelve Bens, including Bencullagh, Benbrack and Benbaun. The heart of the park is Gleann Mór (Big Glen), through which the River Polladirk flows. There's fine walking up the glen and over the surrounding mountains, and a short self-guided Tree Trail.

The park is known for its diverse birdlife. Above you, you'll find songbirds such as skylarks, wrens, robins, meadow pipits, stonechats and chaffinches, while birds of prey, including kestrel and sparrowhawk, merlin and peregrine falcon, are known to visit. Winter is the best chance to see native birds like woodcock and song thrush, alongside migrating birds from north eastern Europe.

Planning tip: Connemara doesn’t have any formal campgrounds inside the national park, but if you want to camp or are planning a multiday hiking trip, you can wild-camp as long as you obey the camping exclusion zone and follow the Wild Camping Code.

6. Wild Nephin National Park, County Mayo

Best for stargazing

This huge and scenic park – comprising some of Europe's greatest areas of blanket bog – is home to magnificent natural diversity, including otters, peregrine falcons, corncrakes and whooper swans. A short nature trail with interpretation panels leads from the visitor center across the bog, revealing sublime views of the surrounding mountains. Staff can recommend more ambitious hikes.

By night, Wild Nephin becomes Mayo Dark Sky Park, Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park. It’s a must-visit for stargazers or anyone who wants to appreciate pristine night skies. Extending across more than 150 sq km, this area has almost zero light pollution, allowing the skies above to truly shine. Three night-sky viewing points are located at easy-to-access locations throughout the park.

Planning tip: Time your visit for the Mayo Dark Sky Festival (October/November), which puts on family-friendly events to celebrate the nightscapes, allowing you to learn more about astronomy as well as the park’s heritage and environment. There are no serviced campsites in the park but wild camping is permitted: register online in advance to spend a night under the stars.

7. Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, County Kerry

Best for marine biodiversity

Primarily a marine park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí opened in April 2024. On land, it incorporates Inch Sand Dunes and Connor Pass, Ireland’s highest public road at 456m. At sea, the national park includes islands off the coast of County Kerry, Kerry Head Shoal, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Skellig Michael (Sceilg Mhichíl). This jagged 217m-high rock rises dramatically out of the sea 12km off the coast, and is topped with the remains of an improbable 1400-year-old early Christian Monastery.

This new national park protects important habitats on the Dingle Peninsula and Kerry coastline for diverse species, including storm petrel, gannets and one of the largest puffin colonies in Ireland. These waters are also home to dolphins, whales and seals.

Planning tip: The 12km sea crossing to the Skellig Islands can be rough; it may be worth taking pills for motion sickness before departure. Bring all the food and water you will need for the day. Wear good walking shoes and bring warm, waterproof clothing. If you just want to see the islands up close and without having to clamber out of the boat, consider a "no landing" cruise with operators such as Skellig Experience on Valentia Island.